SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
September 27, 2020 Edition
LAST CALL ON CLASS T-SHIRTS - Sale ends on 9/30/20
Please order your Class of...T-Shirt. 100% of the profits from this fundraiser go to supporting your child's graduating class.
These Official Class T-shirts are only available for a limited time, so please act soon if you want one for your student.
For additional spirit wear purchases:
#SVPROUD Swag Store
Congratulations to our new elected student government!
What is a Screaming Eagle?
IB Spotlight
As a reminder, we are highlighting an IB Approaches to Learning skill category and cluster, along with a IB Learner Profile attribute, each month to support all of our students being part of the IB programs at SVHS. This month, our ATL skill category is Self-Management, with a focus on ATL skill cluster of Organizational Skills. We are focusing on the Learner Profile attribute of Balance. The document below provides a wealth of ideas and strategies to help our students improve their self-management and organization skills, and meet the aspirations of being balanced IB students and individuals. We encourage all students and families to use it as a resource to help ensure success during digital learning and beyond. As always, please contact Kim Becraft, IB MYP coordinator (Kimberly_M_Becraft@mcpsmd.org) or Natasha Ezerski, IB DP & CP Coordinator (Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org) with any suggestions or questions.
New Student Lunch Bunch
Are you new to Seneca Valley HS and looking to meet other students? Please join us for a virtual lunch bunch to get to know other students. Hosted by Ms. Elmore, school psychologist, and your school counselors; we will meet once per week during lunch (Tuesdays 11:15-12:15) and complete ice breakers, play games, find things we have in common, and hopefully develop new friendships.
For more information, please reach out to your child's counselor.
This Week's Notes from the College & Career Center
College Applications
Attention Seniors!!
Seniors - if you have not completed or started on your College Application Packet, please work on this! This is especially important for students applying to schools with October application deadlines. You want to make sure you give your counselors and teachers at least 2 weeks to complete and submit any application requests, including letters of recommendation. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda or your counselor if you have any questions.
Upcoming Scholarships
October 01 - The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program - minimum of 10-$2,000 awards; senior; must have experienced homelessness within the last six years; must reside in the United States; Undocumented students who meet these criteria are eligible; transcript, personal essay, and at least one letter of recommendation.
October 05 - AES Scholarship - 1-$500 award; senior; award given based on character, as determined by your 500-1000 word essay; see link for essay prompt.
October 15 - NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship - $1,000 awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA; desire to major in or pursue a degree one of the following (or closely related) STEM disciplines (see link); personal statement about STEM (500 words or less); list of STEM Activities; headshot; transcript; resume; 1-2 educator recommendations.
October 17 - College JumpStart Scholarship - 1-$1,000 award; grades 10-12; U.S. cit. or legal res.; attend 2-year, 4-year or trade school; committed to using education to better your life & that of your family and/or community; answer 1 of 4 questions in 250 words or less.
October 25 - Horatio Alger Scholarship - 06-$25,000 (Nat’l) & 17-$10,000 (DMV) awards; senior; U.S. Cit.; min 2.0 GPA; for high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives; enter 4-year degree in the fall after graduation; critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adj. family income); community service; integrity & perseverance in overcoming adversity.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
This Week's College Visits - Juniors & Seniors
- The College of New Jersey 9/29/20 8:00 AM
- Hood College 9/29/20 11:30 AM
- Randolph College 9/29/20 3:00 PM
- Northwestern University 9/30/20 8:00 AM
- Hamilton College 9/30/20 11:30 AM
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus 9/30/20 3:00 PM
- Ohio Wesleyan University 10/1/20 8:00 AM
- West Virginia University 10/1/20 11:30 AM
- Maryland Institute College of Art 10/1/20 3:00 PM
- Texas A & M University-College Station 10/2/20 8:00 AM
- Trinity Washington University 10/2/20 11:30 AM
To participate in college visits, students must register in Naviance. To see a full list of College Visits, see click the link below. Visits and other events can also be found on the College & Career Calendar.
Upcoming Virtual College Fairs - Juniors & Seniors
College Admissions Process (CAP) - Free Monthly Workshops
A FREE monthly workshop for high school boys & girls in grades 9-12. (Click here for the flyer)
First Fridays, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Oct 2
NACAC Virtual College Fairs
Monday, Oct 12 - 1pm to 9pm (click here for the flyer)
Sunday, Oct 18 - 12pm to 8pm
Click here for more info & to register
Parent Academy TO GO Virtual Workshops
September 29, 6 - 7pm - Show Me the Money - Applying for scholarships? Overwhelmed with applications? Don't know where to start? This presentation will provide information and tips to help students and families understand and navigate the scholarship process so that they can secure funding for college. Presented by Faith in Motion College Admission Consulting Services. Recommended for families of middle and high school students. (click here to register)
October 7, 6 - 7pm -Destination College: Understanding Financial Aid - Families and students need a clear understanding of the ways to pay for college. This workshop will focus on defining financial aid, how it is determined, conducting scholarship searches, and managing student loan debt. Presented by Achieva Educational Consulting. Recommended for families of middle and high school students. (click here to register)
Diagnostic Reading and Math Testing
On Friday, September 25, 2020, we administered the first day of MAP Testing to students, grades 9-12. We experienced some technical difficulties surrounding the compatibility of devices and pop-up blockers during the test. To disable pop up blockers, customize the Google Chrome --> Setting --> Advanced Settings (at the bottom) --> Privacy -Content Setting --> Check ALLOW all sites to show pop ups.
To further mitigate these issues, we have sent an email twice to students to check their devices and if their devices are not compatible, students should exchange their Chromebooks for an updated model at 45 W. Gude Drive Rockville, MD 20850.
We are asking parents to encourage students to participate in MAP Testing. Students are required to take the MAP - M (math) and the MAP - R (Reading) tests. The following testing dates will be on Tuesday, September 29, October 6 and 9 during 5th period Advisory classes from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
There are specific students who do not need to participate in MAP Testing. These students are in a Special Education program for Learning for Independence (LFI) and School Community Based (SCB). These students' progress will be monitored based on their Individualized Distance Learning Plans (IDLP) and Individualized Education Plans (IEP). If you have questions about the Special Education programming for your child, please contact their case manager and copy Mr. Joshua Fernandez, Resource Teacher Special Education at Joshua_A_Fernandez@mcpsmd.org. Students in these programs should still go to their 5th period Homeroom/Advisory classes where they will participate in lessons and activities.
If you have questions about testing, please contact Assistant Principal Wanzer.
Be Well 365, Student Specific Lessons and Family Resources - Be Well 365 (Estar Bien 365) - Apoyos e Intervenciones para Estudiantes
Be Well 365 Recovery Student Supports and Interventions
All schools will continue to implement social-emotional supports for students.
Student Well-Being Teams: Schools have designated student well-being teams that will receive referrals for student support from school staff and families. These teams will provide support to students who are struggling with social-emotional concerns, attendance, and engaging with online learning. They will also support the delivery and monitoring of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. The teams are comprised of school administrators, counselors, psychologists, pupil personnel workers (PPW’s), parent community coordinators (PCC’s) and other building staff.
Student Psychoeducational Lessons: All schools are required to implement a student psychoeducational lesson during a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) schedule blocks before October 2, 2020. Student psychoeducational lessons provide direct crisis intervention support to students. This lesson will provide students crisis facts about the dual pandemic (COVID-19 and systemic racism) in our nation. It will also provide information on common crisis feelings/reactions, stress management strategies, and where to find help. Teachers will implement these lessons with coaching from the building counselors, psychologists, and other school-based mental health staff. Families who have concerns about their child’s ability to participate in the student psychoeducational lessons due to a mental health concern or a prior traumatic event should contact the school administration to request an alternative way of meeting the lesson objectives. The student will also be referred to the student well-being team for additional support.
Social Emotional Learning Lessons: Throughout the school year, staff will provide Social Emotional Learning lessons to help students effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Family resources: Parent Academy workshops are free workshops that provide information, resources, and tools & tips to support student success. The Parent Academy is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as helping them to be college and career ready. Through a variety of learning opportunities, we hope to strengthen our engagement with families and the community. We recognize that behind every successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who take an active role in educating our students.
We want our families and students to remain engaged throughout the school year. While we may not be able to meet face-to-face, Student, Family and School Services is excited to provide "Parent Academy TO GO," a series of virtual workshops for families to view at home.
Families can access additional information about social emotional support on the following websites:
Office of Student and Family Supports and Engagement: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentservices/
Be Well 365: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentservices/wellbeing/index-new.aspx
Mindful Moments Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkZwAghwrSytgi1re_2Sr8Dt8poZCHgP5
Waymaking Video Series: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/waymaking/specials/
Virtual Parent Academy Series: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/workshops.aspx
Be Well 365 (Estar Bien 365) - Apoyos e Intervenciones para Estudiantes
Todas las escuelas continuarán implementando apoyos socioemocionales para los estudiantes.
Equipos de bienestar estudiantil: Las escuelas han designado equipos de bienestar estudiantil que recibirán remisiones para apoyo estudiantil del personal escolar y las familias. Estos equipos brindarán apoyo a los estudiantes que estén experimentando dificultades con inquietudes socioemocionales, asistencia y participación en el aprendizaje en línea. También apoyarán la impartición y el monitoreo de las lecciones de Aprendizaje Socioemocional (Social Emotional Learning, SEL). Los equipos están integrados por administradores escolares, consejeros, psicólogos, coordinadores de asuntos estudiantiles (pupil personnel workers, PPW), coordinadores de servicios comunitarios para los padres (parent community coordinators, PCC) y otro personal del edificio.
Chromebook Damage Financial Responsibility Information
Students and their families are now financially responsible for any intentional or accidental damage of any Chromebook loaned out to the student. The Office of Technology and Innovation has created a technical document outlining the Chromebook obligation process. This document identifies the costs associated with each type of repair or replacement, as well as where students and families can go to have a repair performed. While 45 West Gude is the only available repair site at this time, additional sites will be identified and added.
To see the Chromebook Obligations document, please click here.
This document links out to four relevant articles.
Student Chromebook Issues? Need a Wifi Hotspot?
If students have a broken chromebook, they should also be brought to 45 W. Gude Drive in Rockville between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. any weekday.
JOIN the PTSA!
DO NOT DELAY! JOIN TODAY!
Below, you will find the fall schedule and fall calendar
Who do I go to for help?
If you need assistance or support with anything leading up to the school year or once virtual learning has begun, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the following staff. They are here to support you in any way they can.
Main Office Telephone Number: 240-740-6400 (This is a new number)
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with A - C
- Class Support - Class of 2022
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with D - J
- Class Support - Class of 2021
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with K - P
- Class Support - Class of 2024
- Social Emotional Support - Students with last names beginning with Q - Z
- Class Support - Class of 2023
- Business, Finance, and Operations
Counselor Student Support Assignments
Counseling Telephone Number: 240-740-6420
Ms. Fellows - Students with last names beginning with A - Card
Ms. Patel - Students with last names beginning with Cardi - Del Mar
Ms. Murray - Students with last names beginning with Del Pilar - F
Ms. Moore - Students with last names beginning with G - King, C.
Mr. Matthews - Students with last names beginning with King, D. - Nunez Enriquez
Ms. Teixeira - Students with last names beginning with Nunez Rodriguez - Shad
Mr. Yarmus - Students with last names beginning with Shah - Z
Ms. Rina Chaves ESOL Transition Counselor
Ms. Rosa Santos ESOL Parent Community Coordinator
Ms. Rogena Parrish Secretary
Ms. Linda McCabe Registrar
Mr. Carlos Nalda College-Career Information Coordinator
Mrs. Margaret Drew School Psychologist
Mr. Tony Maturana Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW)
Mr. Daryn Moore Aces Coach (11th-12th grade)
Class Sponsors
Class of 2024 - Freshman Class
Class of 2023 - Sophomore Class
Class of 2022- Junior Class
Class of 2021 - Senior Class
Wellness Resources
The safety and wellness of our students remains a top priority. Below are resources to support the physical, social and psychological well-being of our community. If you believe your child is in crisis, please contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. Students can also reach out to their counselor and school psychologist to set up a confidential appointment.
Waymaking Video Series
- Suicide Awareness
- Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
- Managing Stress and Anxiety during Social Distancing
Tips on Addressing Student Grief
Tips for Preventing Youth Suicide
Community Resources
Below is information regarding food/grocery access beyond the MCPS school meal sites:
Food Assistance Resource Map: The Montgomery County Food Council created an interactive map of food assistance providers and benefits application assistance sites in Montgomery County. It is searchable by location, food assistance type, accessibility and many other special features. This resource can give principals and families a quick view of local resources in their area. The information indicates where, when and how to access the resources. **We would caution parents and staff supporting parents to pay particular attention to how one qualifies to access food as some sites state requirements.
Weekend Bag Program: MCPS, Manna Food Center, and Women Who Care Ministries are distributing weekend backpacks with groceries to the families of MCPS students each Friday. The location of distribution sites and times are listed at the bottom of the webpage.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/sheppard-pratt-hosts-virtual-lunch-learn-series-for-mental-health-awareness-month/
VIRTUAL CRISIS WALK_IN CLINIC
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/virtual-crisis-walk-in-clinic/
https://dominionhospital.com/covid-19/access-to-care/behavioral-health.dot
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WEBSITES
1. https://www.caringmatters.org/resourcesforschools
2. https://learn.mindwise.org/social-distance
3. https://www.therapistaid.com/
4. https://www.mindfulschools.org/
5. https://www.educatingmindfully.org/
6. https://www.stressedteens.com/
7. http://mindfullifeproject.org/
8. https://centerforadolescentstudies.com/
GRIEF RESOURCE
Are you #SVPROUD?
- Tweet, Snap, IB, FB, etc., a pic of you repping "The Valley" by wearing your Seneca gear.
- And don't forget to use #svproud. Go Eagles!
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-353-8000
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS